The Finchampstead Parish Council meeting was held on 7 July, and Councillors began the meeting with a minute’s silence in memory of those who had died that day in the London bombings.

Earlier in the evening there had been an informal meeting with District Councillors Rob Stanton and Gerald Cockcroft.  Each spoke about District Council matters and Parish Councillors had the opportunity to ask questions.  The Parish Council feels that it is essential that we keep in touch with Shute End and we hope to hold these meetings regularly.

On the subject of keeping in touch, the Parish Newsletter, which we produce each autumn, was an important agenda item this month.  Councillors agreed to trial a more colourful and informative, magazine style newsletter this year, and an editorial group was set up.  Please look out for it in the autumn and let us know your views on the new format. 

Due to the early start to the meeting, the venue was changed, at short notice, to the Rides Community Hall and the Parish Council is grateful to their committee for allowing us to use the hall and for setting-up the tables in advance.  Councillors were pleased to hear that a Residents’ Group has been established, and that there is the possibility of the estate being given a facelift by WDC.  Sadly, the Youth Worker, Mark Beach is about to leave, but we hope that WDC will look seriously at the Parish Council’s request for more support and funding for youth work at The Rides.

The Finchampstead Design Statement team had its first meeting on 30 June.  Approximately 50 enthusiastic people soon organised themselves into groups, each covering an area of the Parish.  They will look at the character of the area, and how they would like to see it preserved, or even changed.  The Design Statement is not Parish Council led, and aims to involve as many local people as possible from all parts of the Parish.  If you would like to be involved, please contact Ian Milne (973 4734) or visit the website www.welivehere.org.uk.  It’s a great opportunity to play a part in shaping the future design of the whole parish.

From the future to the past: the Finchampstead Trafalgar Celebrations have begun to take shape!  We hope to have some kind of musical event, with a fish-and-chip supper (well, the theme is “The Sea”!) in Finchampstead Memorial Hall on Friday, 21 October, which is the 200^th anniversary of the famous battle.  This will be followed by the lighting of a beacon from the top of St James Church tower and, possibly some fireworks (depending on cost).  There will be a commemorative church service on the Sunday.  This is not something which is being organised by the Parish Council, although some Councillors are involved, and it would be great if schools and other organisations could come up with events to involve us all.  However, we may need to co-ordinate celebrations so Councillor Geoff Markham has agreed to head a small committee.  Please let him know if you are planning an event (Tel: 973 3238).

As the Parish Council does not meet in August there will be no report in the September Magazine, but we look forward to welcoming you at our next meeting on Wednesday, 7 September in California Ratepayers’ Hall.

Chris Driver.

The date this page was last altered was March 11, 2007.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council